Psalm 73

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I read Psalm 73 this morning during my time with God. It was so encouraging to read, especially in light of what my husband and I prayed last night in bed.

Truly God is good to Israel,

to those who are pure in heart.

The Lord has truly been good to us this past year. We've always had a roof under our heads; fresh, delicious food to sustain us; a new church family, and continued spiritual growth. He is faithful.

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,

my steps had nearly slipped.

For I was envious of the arrogant

when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. ...

always at ease, they increase in riches.

All in vain have I kept my heart clean

and washed my hands in innocence.

Last night, we prayed for strength to trust God with our finances this coming school year. It is so easy to look at the lives of others, and be jealous of their carefree spending habits and spacious living spaces that we just cannot afford. 

Being a Christian doesn't protect you from the pains and evils of this world. At times, it seems that we are allowed to experience more hardships, for the sake of our purification. Like God tenderly disciplining His children. This Psalmist certainly felt so; it's no wonder he asked, Is it all in vain? when he saw unbelievers live without hardship or worries.

But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.

Have you experienced this? When I'm not spending as much time with God as I should, or when I'm feeling far from him, I am easy prey. I fall so quickly into the trap of jealousy and bitterness because my life isn't fair, and I deserve better, and the list goes on.

But it's because my focus has been off-center. The Psalmist experienced the same. Until he went into the sanctuary of God, he couldn't make sense of his world! But in that sanctuary, he recalled the greatness of his Lord. As he worshipped and prayed, he remembered the eternal hope that God had surely promised him, and that was more than enough for him. I want that. I want my husband and I to always be "in the sanctuary of God"; that is, to be immersed in the Bible, to continually pray, to keep our minds focused on the goal.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.

For me, it is good to be near God.